Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta (Printable Recipe)

Classic cheeseburger flavors blend into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish, perfect for busy nights and easy clean-up.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 450 g ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
02 - 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
03 - 220 g penne pasta, cooked al dente
04 - 240 ml Alfredo sauce
05 - 60 g shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 30 g chopped pickles (optional)
07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Garnishes

09 - Extra crumbled bacon
10 - Additional shredded cheddar cheese
11 - Chopped fresh parsley or green onions

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain thoroughly without rinsing.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, let cool briefly, then crumble into pieces. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan for added flavor or drain and add a tablespoon of oil if preferred.
03 - In the same skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until completely browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain off excess fat, leaving just enough to keep the beef moist.
04 - Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Stir crumbled bacon into the cooked beef, then add the drained penne pasta and Alfredo sauce. Fold gently until well combined and the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
05 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture, stirring until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of milk or pasta water if a looser consistency is desired.
06 - Fold in chopped pickles, if using, for a tangy flavor. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, taking into account saltiness from bacon and cheese.
07 - Serve pasta hot, topped with extra crumbled bacon, more shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh parsley or green onions as desired.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For a more pronounced cheeseburger flavor, mix in 1 tablespoon ketchup and 1 teaspoon mustard to the sauce.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
03 - Customize with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or diced tomatoes for added flavor.

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